Device for weaning calves.



N0. 657,232. Patented Sept. 4, I900. H. ZIMMERMAN.

DEVICE FOR WEANING CALVES.

[Application filed Nov. 17, 1899.

(No Model.)

inrTnn STATES I Trice.

PATENT DEVICE FOR WEANING CALVES.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 657,232, dated September 4, 1900. Application filed November 1'7 1899. Serial No. 737,351. (No model.)

To aZZ whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, HARRY ZIMMERMAN, a citizen of the United States, residing at Frederick, in the county of Frederick and State of Maryland, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Devices for WVeanin g Calves, of which the following is a specification. 1

This invention relates to certain new and useful improvements in weaning bits for calves, having for its object to provide a cheap, simple, and durable bit whereby the nursing of a calf is prevented, but mastica tion of its food is not interfered with.

With this object in view the invention consists of a bit characterized by the novel features of construction and arrangement hereinafter set forth with more particularity.

In the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification and in which like characters of reference designate corresponding parts, Figure l is a perspective View of a bit embodying the invention. Fig. 2 is a plan view of the bit. Fig. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view. Fig. 4 is a front elevation, and Fig. 5 is a transverse sectional view on the line 5 5 of Fig. 4.

It is extremely desirable and, in fact, essential that a practical weaning-bit shall be so constructed that it may be worn with ease and comfort in a calf s month without danger of chafing or otherwise injuring the same and that it will normally lie above the tongue of the animal and prevent the tongue being brought above it. It is desirable also that the bit be constructed so that it Will retain its proper position in the mouth of the calf in order to insure air being drawn into the mouth through an opening in the bit should the calf attempt to suck, thereby effectually preventing its nursing.

Referring more particularly to the drawin gs, A designates the bit, formed, preferably, of a single piece, as shown, and having a rigid bit-bar 2, comprising two separated parallel members 3 3 and eyes 4, arranged at the opposite ends of the bit-bar to receive a suit able securing-strap. (Not shown.) The eyes 4; are preferably curved and project in a general outward direction from the ends of the bit-bar 2, diverging with respectto each other, and preferably said eyes are rounded in cross-section to present smooth surfaces to the sides of the animals mouth should they be brought into contact therewith.

The bit-bar 2 is somewhat greater in length than an animals mouth is in width in order that its ends may project beyond the sides of the mouth, and centrally of its length the said bar is curved inwardly, as designated at 5, the curved portion serving as a tongue-retainer and to prevent turning of the bit sufficiently to allow the calf slipping its tongue above the same or from closing the opening between the bit-bar members. The parallel members 3 of the bit-bar are of such width as to form a bearing-surface for the calf s tongue which will not injure the same or cause inconvenience to the animal, and each of said members has its outer face and edges slightly rounded with the same object in View. Of course the members 3 may be of any desired contour in cross-sectionas, for instance, round-and they may be of any desired wid th and thickness, it being essential, however, that they be so constructed as to present a smooth non-chafing surface to the the calfs mouth.

The opening or space 6 between the two members of the bit-bar 2 is preferably bridged at one or more points by a narrow connect ing strengthening-web 4, although such web may be dispensed with, if desired. Other wise the space between the bit-bar members is entirely unobstructed and extends from one end of the bit-bar to the other and from its front to its rear face or side. By thus forming the opening any foreign matter entering the same may be sucked out and dislodged therefrom, passing out into the animals month, there being no flanges or abutments on the bit-bar members to interfere with the discharge of such matter. The opening is thus readily kept clear of foreign substances, and air may be drawn therethrough from either or both ends whenever the calf attempts to suck.

From the above it will be apparent that a simple, cheap, and effective weaning-bit is provided which may be worn by a calf Without danger of chafing or cutting its mouth and one which will at all times permit air to be drawn into the animals mouth should it attempt to suck. It will be obvious also that by reason of the opening in the bit-bar extending entirely through the same and from end to end thereof any foreign material which 4 becomes lodged within the openingmay be easily expelled at either edge or side of the bit-bar.

Having thus fully described my invention, What- I claim is 1. A weaning-bit for calves comprising a bit-bar having a longitudinal opening coextensive with the length of the bar and extending from its front to its rear side and eyes at the opposite ends of the said bar, substantially as described.

2. A weaning-bit for calves comprising a bit-bar having eyes at its opposite ends, said bit-bar comprising parallel members, separated to leave an opening between them, the opening being coextensive with the length of the bar and extending from its front to its rear side, the bit-bar being formed in a single rigid casting, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses HARRY ZIMMERMAN. 

